Locals in rural areas still seen lighting up despite smoking ban

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Smokers can still be seen puffing away while enjoying their breakfast at a local eatery in Sebuyau.

SEBUYAU: With the smoking ban coming into effect in Sarawak today, all states in Malaysia have finally heeded the call from the Health Ministry to implement the ban in all eateries and restaurants.

However, the first six months of the ban will focus on ‘education enforcement’ instead of penalizing smokers and eatery owners.

During a survey at a local eatery here, locals could still be seen lighting up before and after their meal without much thought despite the ban. There was also a distinct lack of ‘no smoking’ signs.

One of those interviewed by reporters at the eatery said that he was aware of the smoking ban but did not think the ban would be strictly enforced in rural areas.

“We know that the smoking ban comes into effect today, but we do not expect the ban to be so strictly enforced in our town compared with urban areas,” the man, who declined to be named, said.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Sim Kui Hian said last Monday that the smoking ban aims to encourage smokers to quit smoking and health education seminars would be held in schools to educate students on the dangers of smoking.

Anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas after the ban is fully enforced will be fined up to RM10,000 or face a two-year jail term, while eateries not adhering to the new ruling will be slapped with a maximum fine of RM2,500.